Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a type of therapy that helps people recover from traumatic experiences and other distressing events in their lives. It was developed in the late 1980s to treat post-traumatic stress disorder, but it can also be used for other mental health problems. EMDR therapy combines different techniques to help people process and heal from their troubling memories. The therapist may use things like eye movements or taps to help the person's brain reprocess the memories in a safe way. The goal is to reduce emotional distress, change negative beliefs, and improve overall wellbeing.
Our Director at Mind The Way Psychotherapy and Counselling is trained and experienced in using EMDR therapy to support clients to process their traumatic experiences and alleviate associated symptoms. Let us explain the eight phases of EMDR therapy so you can get a better insight as to how it works:
1. History Taking: In this phase, our therapist will gather information about your history, including trauma or distressing experiences, current symptoms, and relevant background information. This helps in understanding your unique situation and to develop an appropriate treatment plan.
2. Preparation: Our therapist will focus on establishing a therapeutic relationship with you, providing education about EMDR therapy, and teaching you coping skills to manage emotional distress. You will learn techniques to regulate your emotions and develop a sense of safety and stability.
3. Assessment: Next, our therapist works with you to identify specific target memories or events to be processed during the EMDR therapy. You will be asked to recall the target memory and the associated negative beliefs, emotions, and physical sensations.
4. Desensitization: This phase involves the actual processing of the target memory using bilateral stimulation - at Mind The Way Psychotherapy and Counselling we typically use eye movements. We will ask you to hold the memory in mind while simultaneously engaging in the eye movements as guided by our therapist. The goal is to desensitize the negative emotions and distress associated with the memory, allowing for adaptive processing.
5. Installation: In this phase, our therapist helps you to strengthen positive beliefs or insights that emerge during the desensitization phase. Positive cognition that contradicts the initial negative belief associated with the memory is developed, allowing you to experience a sense of resolution and empowerment.
6. Body Scan: You are guided through a body scan to identify any residual physical tension or sensations related to the target memory. The bilateral stimulation is used again to process and release any remaining distress in the body.
7. Closure: At the end of each session, our therapist ensures that you are in a stable and grounded state. If there are any unresolved emotions or unfinished processing, our therapist will provide coping strategies so you can manage until the next session.
8. Re-evaluation: In subsequent sessions, our therapist reviews progress made, identifies any new targets for processing, and continues to work through unresolved issues until your symptoms are alleviated and the treatment goals are achieved.
It's important to note that while these phases provide a general framework, the specific application of EMDR therapy may vary depending on the individual client and the therapist's expertise.
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